The 2025 session of the Florida Legislature saw significant activity, with 1,982 bills filed and only 254 passing both chambers. The state budget, which is constitutionally required, was not passed before the regular session ended. Lawmakers extended the session until June 6, 2025, to address this issue.
A Department of Health bill (HB 1299/SB 1270) advanced after sponsors removed a controversial provision that would have prohibited discrimination against patients based on vaccination status. The Florida Medical Association (FMA) played a role in narrowing and ultimately removing this provision. Other measures in the bill included extending the repeal date for the definition of “messenger ribonucleic acid vaccine” to 2027, expanding institutions authorized to grant medical faculty certificates, updating temporary certificate laws for physicians and physician assistants in critical-need areas, and changing background check requirements for medical marijuana treatment centers.
The legislation also amended last year’s Interstate Mobility Act by reducing licensure requirements for out-of-state physicians and allowing more newly licensed residents to qualify for licensure by endorsement. According to the FMA, these changes are intended to increase access to care in Florida.
The “Emily Adkins Protection Act” (HB 1421/SB 890) requires hospitals and ambulatory surgical centers to develop policies and train staff on screening and treating venous thromboembolisms using evidence-based practices. It establishes a statewide registry to track data from hospitals with the goal of improving patient outcomes. Assisted living facilities must provide information pamphlets about venous thromboembolisms to residents. This legislation was supported by the FMA and inspired by a state-established workgroup that included longtime FMA member Chris Pittman, MD.
A bill regarding stem cell therapy (SB 1768/HB 1617) authorizes certain therapies not approved by the FDA for use in orthopedics, wound care, and pain management under regulated conditions. The FMA contributed to shaping this legislation so that it balances public protection with avoiding excessive regulation of physicians. The law requires informed consent from patients and clear advertising that therapies are not FDA-approved. It excludes treatments using fetal or embryo-derived cells from abortions and sets penalties for violations.
Another measure (SB 1808/HB 1513) addresses overpayments made by patients. Physicians or healthcare facilities must refund any overpayment within 30 days after determining such an overpayment has occurred. The FMA clarified language so that repayment obligations begin only once an overpayment is identified.
For more than three decades, the FMA has opposed legislative efforts to expand noneconomic damages in wrongful death cases involving medical negligence. This year’s HB 6017 passed both chambers despite opposition from several sectors including physicians’ groups like the FMA. If signed into law by Governor Ron DeSantis, it would allow adult children and parents of deceased adults over age 25 to recover noneconomic damages in these cases—a change from current restrictions. The governor reportedly does not support this legislation; efforts are underway among opponents to encourage a veto.
Scope-of-practice expansion remained contentious during the session as various bills sought broader authority for allied health providers. None of these bills passed due largely to opposition led by organizations including the FMA.
Other notable bills addressed office surgery standards (HB 309/SB 424), electronic prescribing exemptions (HB 1297/SB 1568), health care provider referrals (HB 1101/SB 1842), parental rights concerning minors’ treatment (HB 1505/SB1288), and health care practitioner identification titles (“ology bill,” HB1341/SB172/HB1427). Many failed or were withdrawn after negotiation or opposition from groups such as the FMA.
Looking ahead at budget negotiations during the extended session, two items remain key: SB110’s Rural Renaissance Package—which proposes $25 million in grants for primary healthcare providers establishing rural practices—and funding levels for FRAME (Florida Reimbursement Assistance for Medical Education). While House proposals cut FRAME funding from $46 million to $16 million, Senate versions retain full funding; the program aims to encourage qualified professionals—including those in medicine—to practice in underserved areas through annual loan repayment assistance.
